South Australia is home to many venomous snake species. The snakes most common in the southern Adelaide and Fleurieu region include Brown Snakes, Black Snakes and occasionally Tiger Snakes. We frequently treat pets from McLaren Vale, Willunga, Aldinga, Mt Compass, Seaford Heights and surrounding regions needing emergency treatment as a result of encounters with snakes. As pet owners and lovers, we need to identify the risks associated with snakes, how to best avoid your pets coming into contact with these snakes, and what to do in the event your furry family member is bitten by a snake.

Snakes are ectothermic, meaning they get their heat from external sources. As the temperature rises, snakes become more active. This is why we see most cases of snake envenomation during the hot periods of summer. However, snakes are always present in our environment, they just hide better in winter, so still exercise caution around piles of wood, fallen trees or piles of debris.

Snake envenomation occurs when a venomous snake injects venom into its victim through a bite. In pets, this can lead to a range of symptoms depending on factors such as the type of snake, the amount of venom injected, the size and health of your pet, and the species of your pet. At McLaren Vale Veterinary Surgery, our vets have extensive experience recognising and treating snake envenomation in many pets including dogs, cats, horses and cattle.

Signs of Snake Bite

Early recognition of snake envenomation symptoms is crucial for life-saving treatment. Look out for signs such as:

• Sudden collapse

• Vomiting

• Urination/defaecation

• Salivation

• Trembling

• Bruising and tissue damage

• Weakness or collapse

• Difficulty breathing

• Dilated pupils

• Blood in urine or faeces

Dogs and cats may show some of these signs initially and appear to recover. This is a sign that your pet has been envenomated and MUST be seen by a Veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

Taking Action

If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake, seek veterinary care immediately. Do not attempt to capture or kill the snake, as this could put you at risk of being bitten as well. Keep your pet as calm and still as possible to slow the spread of venom through the body. Your veterinarian will assess the severity of the bite and may administer antivenom and other supportive treatments as needed.

Diagnosing Snake Envenomation

McLaren Vale Veterinary Surgery has a number of tests to assist in the diagnosis of snake envenomation. These can include:

• The history and clinical examination of your pet - Simply determining if your pet has had access to snakes, or even the possibility of access to snakes, along with the clinical signs your pet is showing may be sufficient to diagnose snake bite.

• Coagulation testing – checking whether your pet's blood is clotting appropriately can aid in the diagnosis. Both black and brown snakes can prolong blood clotting times.

• Muscle enzyme testing – Envenomation can cause massive muscle breakdown, which can be diagnosed by a blood test.

Treatment of Snake Envenomation

Treatment required to manage a pet who has been bitten by a snake would usually require one or more of the following:

• Antivenom treatment – Antivenom is used to bind and eliminate any circulating venom.

• Hospitalisation – animals can suffer the effects of venom for days to weeks after being bitten. Hospitalisation is often needed to provide support until they are strong enough to go home.

• Fluid therapy – to help blood circulation of antivenin, maintain hydration, and flush out muscle breakdown in order to protect the kidneys.

• Pain relief – some venom can cause massive muscle breakdown, which is extremely painful.

• Ventilation – Envenomation results in muscular weakness and paralysis. If severe enough, the muscles involved in breathing also become paralysed. Ventilation support may be required in these animals to save their lives.

Prevention of Snake Bites

While it's impossible to completely eliminate the risk of snake bites, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your pet encountering a venomous snake:

1. Keep your pet on a leash during walks, hikes, or outdoor adventures, especially in areas known to have venomous snakes.

2.  Clear your yard of debris, brush, and other potential hiding spots for snakes.

3. Avoid letting your pet roam unsupervised in areas where snakes are likely to be present. This includes keeping cats inside or in cat enclosures.

4. Snake mesh placed around the outside of your yard can help to prevent snakes entering your yard. If netting is used, a snake may become entangled in the netting and a snake catcher will need to be called to remove the snake.

If you have questions about snake envenomation or need assistance in identifying and managing potential risks in your area, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team of veterinary professionals are here to provide guidance, support, and expert care for your furry family members.